MUSCLE TWITCHING - ALS

[anna219]

To: Dr. Deshmukh
Thank you for taking the time to answer my conerns.  The twitches are mostly at night, but also come and go during the day.  I think I have been completely stressed and anxious lately, because when I looked up muscle twitching, so much is out there on ALS.  I am now worried that I may have some of the onset symptoms of ALS.  Would my neurological exam be normal if I was experiencing symptoms caused by ALS?  I would greatly appreciate your opinion so I can hopfully stop this worrying.  Thank you so much.

Anna

[Abhijeet Deshmukh, MD]

Hello.

I apologize for the late reply.

When you feel a radiating pain, the origin is mostly in the spine. There are high chances that the pain and twitching could be due to the disc bulging.

Bulging and protrusion are different. In bulging, the disc has not left its place. In protrusion, the disc leaves its place and presses more on the cord. Since you also have spinal stenosis, this could also be disc protrusion.

You will need corrective steps for this.

Regards

[anna219]

Thank you once again for your reply.  I have spinal stenosis and bulging disks from the L2 through L5, with mild spinal stenosis at S1.  I often have radiating pain in my right calf, which is also the commone place for the twitching.  Can the back conditon be causing the twitching?  Thank you for your help.

[Abhijeet Deshmukh, MD]

Hello.

Your examination will not be normal if you have ALS. There will be some weakness of the muscles noted. Fasciculation hints towards reduction in the nerve supply of the muscles.

If the twitches are in the daytime, they are most probably due to Benign Fasciculation Syndrome. It is increased with stress and anxiety.

Take some steps to reduce your anxiety and stress. The twitches will go away.

Regards